A tail slaps and water sprays over a row of on-lookers who hide behind
arms and bags (which, by the way, don't make good umbrellas). The culprit,
26-year-old Nani the bottlenose dolphin, skims across the water and
disappears in a splash. Where else could this happen but The National Aquarium
in Baltimore in its new dolphin show, Coastal Connections: Dolphins at our
Shores?

This new and improved performance of trainers and dolphins not only shows
dolphin tricks but also explains how dolphins get along in the wild with
-- and without -- humans. About 60 million Americans are neighbors to thousands
of bottlenose dolphins along the Atlantic coastline. With
a strong environmental message, lots of dolphin facts and the finned performers
themselves spiraling through air and water, the program shows how everyone
can be neighborly. One year went into the making of Dolphins at Our Shores,
from planning and producing music, video and script to training dolphins.

How long does it take to teach a dolphin?

"Dolphins are like people," says trainer Jennifer Mead. "Some
are faster learners than others." So practice -- everyday -- is a must.
Tricks like peeking at the audience over the pool's edge can take as little
as five minutes, while front flips take eight months or longer, she says.

Training doesn't just include somersaults, but also behaviors like holding
up flipper or opening mouths that allow veterinarians to do dolphin check-ups.

Dolphins travel into Chesapeake Bay, probably while chasing their food.
A dolphin was spotted as far as the Key Bridge in Baltimore, says Mead.

Six bottlenose dolphins live at the aquarium: Nani, Shiloh, Hailey, Chesapeake,
Cobie and Shadow. You'll learn to recognize each by their dorsal fins. When
you see the dolphins, remember to bring your rain slicker if you're daring
enough to sit in the "Splash Zone"!

Grand Opening: March 13-14 in the Marine Mammal Pavilion
on Pratt St. Tickets: Adults $14; Seniors $10.50; Kids ages 3-11 $7.50;
under 3 free. Dolphin shows are scheduled daily and are included in regular
admission. Call for
showtimes: (410)576-3800.

Drawing
Contest

How well do you know dolphins?

Over the next 12 weeks, we're celebrating the finned mammals starring
in the National Aquarium's new show, Dolphins at Our Shores.

Read our weekly facts about dolphins, get to know them better and draw
a dolphin at work or play. Send your drawing in to NBT and be eligible to
win tickets to see the aquarium and its dolphin show!

Did You Know that dolphins have the same number of neck bones as you,
except theirs are fused to stabilize their body for more streamlined swimming?

To be eligible to win, clip the form below (filled out) to your
drawing and mail to NBT Dolphins, POB 358, Deale MD 20751!

Pool Party Sat. March 13 (10-10:30am)-Kids ages 2-3 learn about
some animals that live in & around ponds. Play with puppets, hear a
story, watch live animals & make a craft to bring home. Battle Creek
Cypress Swamp, Port Republic. rsvp: 410/535-5327.

Hear a Story, Help Somebody Fri. March 19 (7-8pm)-Settle in at
the First Book Story Hour to hear Ms. Evalyn read Jez Alborough's My Teddy
and help the less fortunate at the same time. Money raised at the story
hour benefits First Book, the national non-profit that puts books in the
hands of needy kids. Barnes & Noble, Annapolis Harbour Center: 410/573-1115.

Experience the Poland of Old March 21, April 18 & May 2 (1-4pm)-Check
out a huge display of Polish art and artifacts in Walters Art Gallery's
new exhibit, Land of the Winged Horsemen: Art in Poland, 1572-1764. Kids
get to explore heraldry and tapestry design in special activities on the
Renaissance Court. More fun is listed in Good Bay Times. WAG, 600 North
Charles St., Baltimore. $4 ages 6-17; $10 adults; kids under age 6 free;
group discounts: 410/547-9000.